Concern about accidents grows along Route 32 in Franklin

Saturday

Dec 28, 2013 at 8:55 PMDec 28, 2013 at 8:55 PM

By Ryan Blessingrblessing@norwichbulletin.com (860) 425-4205

FRANKLIN — The number of accidents along the seven-mile stretch of Route 32 that passes through rural Franklin has held steady for years, but could rise with the spike in traffic brought by new businesses.

The state Department of Transportation, which keeps statistics on accidents, shows 237 incidents over a five-year period, from 2008 to 2013.

“We’ve had about 40 to 50 per year since 2008,” spokesman Kevin Nursick said. “That hasn’t changed.”

During that five-year period, there were no fatal accidents until last year, when there were two fatalities, Nursick said. About 19,000 vehicles pass on the state road daily, according to DOT.

The two top factors that cause accidents on Route 32 are following other cars too closely and loss of control of the vehicle, according to the DOT.

“They’re both typical. Ninety-three accidents were caused by following too close, and 44 were loss of control,” Nursick said.

Other causes include speeding, failing to grant the right of way to other vehicles and falling asleep, Nursick said.

Franklin is courting commercial development along the Route 32 corridor. An 18-hole golf resort with a spa and luxury hotel suites is planned for property off Route 32 near Baltic Road. Other businesses have expressed interest, according to local officials.

DOT is taking steps in that area to try to reduce accidents and improve the flow of traffic.

New traffic lights are set to be activated early next year where Route 32 intersects with Baltic Road.

Nursick said if a development is considered to be a major traffic generator — which is 100,000 square feet or more of commercial space and 200 or more parking spaces — traffic plans must be submitted to the DOT for review and approval.

Locally, officials also have made efforts to reduce accidents, specifically where Route 32 intersects with Route 87.

The stretch of road has a speed limit of 40 miles per hour in the northbound lane and 50 miles per hour in the southbound lane.

Last year, the Board of Selectmen, which is the town’s traffic authority, asked the state to limit the northbound and southbound lanes in that area to 40 miles per hour. Earlier this year, the State Traffic Commission denied the request.

Local business owner Adam Ismaill sees the cars and trucks pass by his Franklin Town Line restaurant all day.

Ismaill said he’s not concerned with the road itself, but with the drivers behind the wheel.

“If you look at the road, it’s pretty flat and straight. There aren’t too many curves in this part,” he said. “I think it’s more that people have to put down their phones, stop the texting. That’s what gets them in trouble.”